Elisa Rios turns 100 years old

Elisa Rios turns 100 years old Tuesday. Family and friends are honoring Rios with a birthday party today at St. Anthony's Parish Hall. Rios was born in Grandfalls and married Francisco Rios in 1931. She and her husband had five children: Frank Rios, Ismael Rios, Minnie Avila, Esequiel Rios and Queta Vargas. Rios was one of the founding parishioners of St. Joseph's Catholic Church where she devoted much of her time cooking for fund-raisers that the church has held for many years. When she was no longer able to walk to church and cook at the bazaars, she began sewing aprons, quilts and other miscellaneous items that could be used as prizes at whatever function was being held, something she continues to do today. She was also among the founding members of many of St. Joseph's women's organizations: Altar Society, Las Guadalupanas, Carmelitas, Sagrado Corazon, etc., in which she served as an active member for many years. Blessed with good eyesight, Rios does not wear glasses and is still able to thread a needle on her own. She loves to prepare her ‘antojitos,' apples cooked with cinnamon and sugar. As the eldest sister still living, she also has her daughter often drive her to McCamey, so that she can check on the health of her younger siblings. She credits her long life and good health to our Lord. ‘Now, my family, they worry about me! They're crazy!' Rios said.